Jill Adolphsen, a 2023 Sequim High School graduate and current sophomore at Southwestern Community College of Iowa, recently earned the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Future Farmers of America — the American Degree.

She is one of less than 1 percent of FFA members to achieve the degree.

Adolphsen was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26, in Indianapolis, Ind. She received a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

This degree recognizes a member’s dedication to their chapter and State FFA association, and recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence.

The award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research.

Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than one million student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.